Employee flu shots

University announces flu shots available for faculty, staff

9 a.m., Sept. 17, 2012--Flu shots will be available for University of Delaware faculty and staff at Student Health Services in Laurel Hall on two dates -- Monday, Sept. 24 and Friday, Sept. 28.

Employees will be seen by appointment only. To register for an appointment time, go to the HealthyU registration website. After logging in, click the box to register for a Wellness Center program and then click "next step," where there is a menu that includes 2012 fall flu shots.

Allow 25-30 minutes for each appointment because a 20-minute wait is required after injection.

Hours are:

• Monday, Sept. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost is $22, and payments can be made through the online registration system. If employees choose to pay in person, only checks will be accepted at the time of the appointment. Employee Wellness Dollars cannot be applied to this service.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease, which can spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing and can lead to pneumonia and be dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza, and influenza seasons can begin as early as October.

Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that vaccination begin as soon as vaccine becomes available to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins. For more information on the 2012-13 flu season, visit the CDC website.